“New York We Love You" online benefit auction

Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC)

To support LMCC's sustaining programs for artists and small NYC arts organizations

The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) is pleased to announce “New York We Love You,” an online benefit auction featuring artworks by a host of artists who are part of the organization’s history and community, including Camille Henrot, Takesada Matsutani,Julie Mehretu, Richard Mosse, Vik Muniz, Yoko Ono, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, and Arlene Shechet, among many others. Powered by Artsy, the auction runs from May 18 through June 1, with proceeds going to LMCC’s initiatives to sustain the arts community and directly support the work and livelihood of working artists.

LMCC is committed to the notion that dialogue between artists and community can create a more just, equitable, and sustainable society. Founded in 1973, the organization has been a leading champion for independent artists and the cultural life force of Lower Manhattan, a local center of creativity with international impact. Through grants, residencies, and presentations, LMCC supports artists and engages audiences through programming that is always free and open to all. In 2019, LMCC opened the Arts Center at Governors Island, its first permanent space for artists and audiences, with 40,000 SF of dedicated exhibition and residency spaces, creating ever more opportunity for the public to engage with the visual arts.

In this unprecedented moment, LMCC's efforts are more critical than ever to the wellbeing of individual artists and small arts groups that have been rendered vulnerable by the shutdown of the pandemic. With the “New York We Love You” benefit auction, LMCC will raise needed funds to continue providing resources for artists and the rebuilding of constituent communities.

The “New York We Love You” online benefit auction is organized by Lili Chopra, Executive Director of Artistic Programs at LMCC, and Alice Russotti, Curator, along with the collaboration and leadership of an esteemed Auction Committee.

Lili Chopra commented: “During a major crisis, we all need the vision and creativity of those who can lead the way to a more equitable and sustainable future, those who know how to build communities and inspire the world. At LMCC, we believe these leaders to be the artists and the wonderful communities we serve. As we roll up our sleeves to re-envision and rebuild when the pandemic subsides, as we re-affirm our commitment to the unique artistic community so central to the life of New York City, this benefit auction will provide essential resources to artists now and in the future.”

Executive Director of Finance & Administration, Diego S. Segalini, commented: “New York We Love You is a celebration of our amazing city, artists, and communities, which LMCC has been serving with tireless passion and commitment for nearly half a century.”